No Progress in US-Russia Talks on Ukraine War

U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration are expressing a belief that Russia is interested in ending the war in Ukraine, following a series of talks between Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Witkoff described his recent meeting with Putin as 'compelling,' indicating potential pathways to a 'permanent peace' that includes discussions on territorial control and security protocols. Despite this optimism, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains reluctant to negotiate, citing concerns about Russia's commitment to uphold any agreements. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has stated that while Russia is open to continuing talks with the U.S., significant disagreements remain. Concurrently, Russian officials have issued threats against NATO, particularly regarding actions by Poland and the Baltic states. Amidst these complexities, the situation in Ukraine remains dire, with recent missile attacks resulting in casualties.